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January 1, 2024

Average SSDI Wait Times by State

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process can be overwhelming, especially when you hear stories about long wait times and frustrating delays. If you’re unable to work due to a disability, the idea of waiting months or even years for critical financial support can feel disheartening. While there’s no denying that the SSDI process isn’t known for efficiency, the exact waiting can vary widely depending on where you live and the nature of your condition.

So, on average, how long does it take to get disability in your state? This blog post will break down the factors behind the decision timeline, examine the data on national wait times, and offer guidance on how to speed up the approval process.

How Long Does It Take to Get Disability Benefits Decisions?

The amount of time it takes the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide on your SSDI application depends on numerous factors. Some issues that can impact your decision timeline include:

• The type and severity of your condition;
• How quickly the SSA can access and review medical records;
• Whether you need to undergo additional medical examinations; and
• If the SSA randomly selects your case for a quality-control review.

The SSA tells applicants that it can take six to eight months to receive an initial decision after applying. However, many applicants end up waiting longer than that for benefits, whether because of administrative delays or because they choose to appeal an initial denial.

What Is the Average Time to Get Approved for Disability by State?

The processing time for SSDI applications can also vary significantly by applicant location. This is because of differences in staffing, resources, and the number of applicants in each of the nation’s geographic regions.

According to 2024 data from the SSA, the average national wait time for an initial disability decision was 227 days (around 8 months). On a state-by-state basis, the average wait time breaks down as follows:

• Alabama: 305 days,
• Alaska: 352 days,
• Arizona: 227 days,
• Arkansas: 176 days,
• California: 222 days,
• Colorado: 259 days,
• Connecticut: 172 days,
• Delaware: 182 days,
• Florida: 343 days,
• Georgia: 434 days,
• Hawaii: 192 days,
• Idaho: 108 days,
• Illinois: 257 days,
• Indiana: 237 days,
• Iowa: 148 days,
• Kansas: 276 days,
• Kentucky: 132 days,
• Louisiana: 329 days,
• Maine: 221 days,
• Maryland: 381 days,
• Massachusetts: 270 days,
• Michigan: 182 days,
• Minnesota: 180 days,
• Mississippi: 350 days,
• Missouri: 161 days,
• Montana: 217 days,
• Nebraska: 159 days,
• Nevada: 170 days,
• New Hampshire: 157 days,
• New Jersey: 136 days,
• New Mexico: 214 days,
• New York: 142 days,
• North Carolina: 199 days,
• North Dakota: 236 days,
• Ohio: 136 days,
• Oklahoma: 198 days,
• Oregon: 284 days,
• Pennsylvania: 129 days,
• Rhode Island: 131 days,
• South Carolina: 452 days,
• South Dakota: 174 days,
• Tennessee: 206 days,
• Texas: 380 days,
• Utah: 270 days,
• Vermont: 123 days,
• Virginia: 189 days,
• Washington: 231 days,
• West Virginia: 240 days,
• Wisconsin: 203 days, and
• Wyoming: 277 days.

In 2024, South Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland had the longest average wait times. Meanwhile, Idaho, Vermont, and Rhode Island had the shortest average wait times for that period. 

California’s average SSDI wait time was 222 days, making it the 24th fastest state for processing disability decisions. 

How Can I Get a Faster Disability Approval?

There’s no simple answer to the question of how to get approved for disability fast. However, some tools may help reduce delays in the process.

Priority Processing Programs

The SSA has two programs that expedite disability claims for individuals with certain medical conditions:

• Compassionate allowances—offers priority attention for applicants with certain severe health conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), certain cancers, and other rare disorders; and
• Quick Disability Determinations—identifies applicants with strong medical evidence who are more likely to be approved.

All applications are automatically screened for eligibility for these priority programs. However, if you have a qualifying condition, you should note it clearly on your application to increase the chance of expedited processing.

Terminal Illness

Similarly, applicants suffering from certain severe and deadly conditions are automatically marked for faster SSDI processing through the terminal illness (TERI) program. The SSA’s TERI program gives prioritized attention to individuals with conditions that are untreatable or expected to end in death. Qualifying situations include:

• ALS;
• AIDS;
• Stage IV cancers;
• Hospice care (inpatient or at home); and
• Waiting for organ transplant (heart, lung, liver, etc.).

However, other unlisted conditions and situations may also qualify. If you have a terminal diagnosis, indicate it clearly on your application to ensure TERI processing flags it.

Military Service Expedited Processing

The SSA also fast-tracks disability claims for some veterans of the U.S. military. Your application may be eligible for priority processing if you:

• Became disabled while on active duty after October 1, 2001; or
• Have a 100% permanent and total (P&T) VA disability rating.

The application process already screens for potential veterans who may qualify. However, it’s always a good idea to note your veteran status on your SSDI application.

Dire Financial Need Program 

If you are experiencing severe financial hardship, the SSA may expedite your case under the Dire Need (DRND) program. Examples of dire need include:

• Lack of food or access to necessary medication,
• Imminent eviction or foreclosure, and
• Homelessness.

To apply for a dire need determination, call Social Security or submit a “dire need letter” explaining your financial situation and why you need expedited processing.

Legal Assistance

One of the most effective ways to increase your chances of faster approval is to work with an experienced SSDI attorney. A lawyer can:

• Ensure your application is complete and accurate,
• Help gather strong medical evidence to support your claim,
• Identify whether you qualify for priority processing,
• Assist with filing appeals quickly if your claim is denied, and
• Communicate with the SSA on your behalf to avoid unnecessary delays.

Many SSDI applications are denied due to missing information or errors. A lawyer can reduce mistakes and improve the quality of your claim, giving you the best chance of approval. They can also help provide valuable legal guidance and emotional support at each step in the process.

Steadfast Legal Support That Makes a Difference

You’re not alone if you feel frustrated, anxious, or hopeless about the long wait for SSDI approval. The process is notoriously complex, and the uncertainty can be overwhelming—especially if your health is deteriorating and financial pressures are mounting. That’s why getting the help you need as soon as possible is crucial. At the Law Offices of Jennifer R. Solomon, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help. Our team has extensive experience guiding applicants through medically complex and legally challenging SSDI claims. If you’re applying for SSDI or facing delays, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Resources:

Social Security Administration, Information for Military & Veterans, link.

Social Security Administration Critical Case Procedures, link.

Social Security Administration Quick Disability Determinations, link.